Puno

Puno

Practical Guide for Travelers

Puno

Altitude

Min.:

Location

Southern mountain range of Peru, on the border with Bolivia Capital Puno (at 12,556 ft / 3,827 m)

2,690 ft (820 m) (Lanlacuni Bajo)

Max.: Temperature

15,502 (4,725 m) (San Antonio de Esquilache)

Weather

Max.:

Min.: 37 °F (3 °C) 57 °F (14 °C)

How to get here?

By land

Dec-Mar Jun-Sept Sept-Dec Mar-Jun

Lima-Arequipa-Cabanillas-Juliaca-Puno: 820 miles (1,320 km) / 21 h

Cusco-Juliaca-Puno: 242 miles (389 km) / 7 h

Arequipa-Santa Lucía-Cabanillas-Juliaca-Puno: 202 miles (325 km) / 6 h

Tacna-Moquegua-Laraqueri-Puno: 258 miles (415 km) / 7 h

Puerto Maldonado-Mazuco-Macusani-Juliaca-Puno: 511 miles (823 km) / 12 h

By air

Lima-Juliaca: 1 h 40 min

By train

Cusco-Puno: 10 h

Puno is a region of stories and legends, of unforgettable landscapes and hospitable villages. It is home to archaeological complexes, beautiful temples and wondrous festivities surrounding Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.

Puno

Department capital

Province capital

District capital

Tourist attraction

International border

Provincial border

Main road

Paved road

Dirt road

Airport

Railroad

Protected Natural Area

Lake or lagoon

Approved by DR 0334/RE of November 24, 2017. The borders indicated make no claims over international boundaries.

to Apurímac to Lima

CUSCO

Ollachea Corani

Formaciones rocosas de Corani

Macusani

MELGAR

Santa Rosa

Lanlacuni Bajo

Ayapata

Nevado

Allin Capac

Nuñoa Ituata

Ayaviri

to Ica to Lima

AREQUIPA

Arequipa

Cañón de Tinajani to Puerto Maldonado

CARABAYA

Coasa

Usicayos

Parque Nacional Bahuaja Sonene

SANDIA

Massiapo Putina Punco

AZÁNGARO

San Antón

Templo de Tintiri

Muñani

Putina Azángaro

Pucará José Domingo Choquehuanca

Complejo arqueológico de Pukara

Lampa

Calapuja

SamánTaraco

LAMPA

Complejo arqueológico de Sillustani

Santa Lucía

Laguna Lagunillas

Phara

Sandia

San Juan del Oro Yanahuaya

Cuyo Cuyo

Sina Ananea

SAN ANTONIO DE PUTINA

HUANCANÉ

BOLIVIA

MOQUEGUA

Vilque

Laguna Umayo

Juliaca

TITICACA Laguna Arapa

SAN ROMÁN

Huancané

Reserva Nacional del Titicaca

Pusi

LAGO

Capachica

Reserva Nacional del Titicaca

MOHO

Moho

Isla Suasi

Conima

Chifrón Isla Amantaní

Mañazo Tiquillaca Chucuito

Puno

Sitio arqueológico de Molloco

PUNO

Tilali

Península de Capachica Isla Tikonata

Llachón

Isla Taquile Karina Comunidad Luquina Chico

Platería

Complejo arqueológico de Cutimbo

Islas flotantes de los Uros

Laraqueri Ácora

Ilave

Juli

Willka Uta

Pomata

Zona Reservada

Kasani Anapia

Lago Wiñaymarca

Yunguyo

Reserva Paisajística Cerro Khapia

YUNGUYO

Desaguadero

CHUCUITO EL COLLAO

Mazocruz

Distances

DESTINATION

Ilave (El Collao Province)

Juli (Chucuito Province)

Yunguyo (Yunguyo Province)

Juliaca (San Román Province)

Lampa (Lampa Province)

Huancané (Huancané Province)

Putina (San Antonio de Putina Province)

Azángaro (Azángaro Province)

Ayaviri (Melgar Province)

Moho (Moho Province)

Macusani (Carabaya Province)

miles (79 km)

(128

(44 km)

(79

(99 km)

(137 km)

miles (138 km)

miles (256 km) 4 h

Sandia (Sandia Province) 6 h 169 miles (272 km)

Tours (minimum recommended stay)

½ day

½ day

½ day

1 day

1 day

3 days

Puno city tour: Plaza de Armas, cathedral, colonial mansions, temples, museums, viewpoints, and lake port

Archaeological route: Sillustani, Cutimbo, Molloco, Pukara, and Willka Uta

Lake Titicaca tour: Chimu and Uros Titino floating islands

Titicaca National Reserve, Taquile and Tikonata islands.

Visit to traditional communities of Lampa, Pucará, Ayaviri, and Putina

Visit to colonial temples of Chucuito, Juli, and Pomata 1 day

2 days

8 days

1 day

Suasi and Amantaní Islands, Chucuito (Luquina Chico community), and Capachica (Llachón, Ccotos, and Chifrón communities) peninsulas

Excursion to Parque Nacional Bahuaja Sonene

Tourist corridors and Aymara and Quechua corridors, and Andean circuit

February - March Juliaca Carnival (San Román Province)

May 3-10

Festivity of the Crosses and Fair of the Alasitas (San Román and Puno Provinces)

July National and International Tinajani Festival (Ayaviri District)

August Festivity of Virgen María de la Asunción “Wajcha” (Chucuito District)

October 10 Festivity of San Francisco de Borja “Tata Pancho” (Yunguyo Province)

November 3-5 Anniversary of the foundation of the city of Puno

December 8 Festivity of Virgen Inmaculada Concepción (Lampa and Chucuito Provinces)

What to eat?

Andean cereals are present in regional preparations such as (quinoa puree served with milk and cheese), (a soup based on chuño, beef and lamb, chalona, potato, beans, pumpkin, and wheat). Other representative dishes are chili pepper and oil), chicharrón de alpaca with chuño and potatoes) and chuño, all stewed in herbs and accompanied with chili pepper). Trying the high quality organic coffee produced in the area is a must!

What to buy?

Puno weavers offer very delicate works from the prized alpaca fiber to create wonderful textiles. Artisans also create musical instruments such as siku and charango; as well as souvenirs based on the dances from the region and products made in totora. It is impossible not to mention the popular “toritos de Pucará”, brightly colored ceramics in the shape of stylized bulls, which symbolize the protection of the home.

What to visit?

Puno Province

Catedral

Plaza de Armas. Wed-Mon, 8:30-12:00 and 16:00-18:00.

The cathedral is a Mestizo-Baroque style temple built in the 17th century, dedicated to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. Andean motifs predominate on its façade, sculpted in granite.

Casa del Corregidor

Jr. Deustua 576. Mon-Sun, 7:30-22:00. Tel. 994-937-576.

The former house of a colonial authority preserves the traditional Puno-style architecture. Currently, it is a space for cultural activities and sale of crafts. The facilities include a café bar.

Museo Municipal Carlos Dreyer

Jr. Conde de Lemos 289

Mon-Fri, 9:00-18:00 and Sat, 9:00-16:00. Entrance fee charged.

The different rooms of this municipal museum gather pieces of ceramics, silver, gold (such as those found in Sillustani), textiles and stone sculptures of pre-Inca, Inca, colonial, and republican origin. In addition, it exhibits a collection of ancient coins and documents related to the foundation of the city.

Balcón del Conde de Lemos

At the corner of Deustua and Conde de Lemos streets

This house, built by the end of the first half of the 17th century, was the

Centro de Interpretación de Eco Artesanías de Totora Titikaka-Chimu Kilometer 8.5 of Panamericana Sur highway, via Puno-Chucuito

The Interpretation Center of Totora Titikaka-Chimu Eco-Craftwork exhibits decorative and utilitarian regional crafts made from totora, promoting its responsible use and the protection of the ecosystem species around Lake Titicaca. You can participate in their workshops and learn how to select totora and its weaving techniques.

resources for the local communities, and the legend tells that Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo — children of the Sun god and founders of the Inca Empire— emerged from its waters.

At 12,500 ft (3,810 m), Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. The sovereignty of this lake is shared by Peru and Bolivia. On the Peruvian side are the natural islands Amantaní, Taquile, Tikonata, Suasi, Soto, and Anapia, and some artificial ones, such as those of the Uros, Uros Titino, and Chimu. The totora reeds that grow from the lake are a refuge for native birds and fish, such as carachis, ispis, mauris, and suches.

Located in the provinces of Puno (2 miles / 3 km from the lake port of Puno, entry point to the Zona Protegida Río Wily) and Huancané to the northeast of Lake Titicaca. Visits prior coordination with the Reserve Manager, tel. (051) 368-559. The Titicaca National Reserve occupies 36,180 hectares that protect the natural resources of the Lake Titicaca ecosystem, such as its 12 varieties of aquatic plants, including totora and llacho. Among the bird species living in the area, the Titicaca grebe stands out, an endemic species protected by law.

3 miles (5 km) east of the port of Puno (20 min by motorboat)

The Uros floating islands are made up of more than 100 islets inhabited by Uro-Aimara families. Traditional dwellings are built and roofed with totora mats that grow on the lake. The inhabitants practice artisanal fishing, hunting, make crafts with totora and looms, and offer rides on totora rafts.

22 miles (35 km) east of the port of Puno (3 h by regular boat / 1 h 30 min by

The temperature of Taquile island varies between 45 °F and 73 °F (7 °C and 23 °C). It was formerly inhabited by pre-Inca cultures and, from the colonial period until the early years of the last century, it was the location of a political prison. In 1970 the island was declared the exclusive property of the Taquileños, creators of a fine textile art that has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by

22 miles (36 km) northeast of the port of Puno (3 h 30 min by motorboat) 2) medicinal plants abound, such as muña, cantuta, sage, tola, and patamuña. The members of the ten communities that live in Amantaní island grow potatoes, corn, oca, quinoa, beans, peas, and produce textiles and stone handicrafts. At the highest point, there are two natural viewpoints from where you can appreciate the immensity of the lake

21 miles (34 km) north of the city of Puno (35 min by car)

In the area covered by the Sillustani archaeological complex there are stone chullpas (“towers”), up to 39 ft (12 m) high, where funerary remains of the main authorities of the Colla lordship were found. The stones are masterfully joined and fit perfectly together, the circumference of their base is smaller than the top. Boat trips on the Umayo lagoon are offered, a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery.

36 miles (58 km) northeast of the city of Puno (1 h drive) This peninsula is inhabited by 16 communities that offer experienced-based tourism services to visitors. Its towns have beautiful landscapes such as the

46 miles (74 km) northeast of the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca (1 h 30 min by car)

A traditional community that preserves its customs and maintains agriculture, livestock, fishing, and crafts as its main economic activities. Local families offer their homes as accommodations for those interested in experience-based tourism. The lake is an important means of communication to access the community and to travel to other islands, such as Taquile and Amantaní.

Isla Tikonata

47 miles (76 km) northeast of the city of Puno (1 h 45 min by car and 20 min by motorboat)

At 12,530 ft (3,819 m), Tikonata island is located opposite the community of Ccotos, in the district of Capachica. It enjoys a mild climate, great for growing products, such as potatoes, oca, beans, wheat, barley, and quinoa. Its circular houses built in adobe with a thatched roof, in the pre-Columbian style, are an impressive sight.

Complejo arqueológico de Cutimbo

Puno-Moquegua Interoceanic Highway at kilometer 17, south of the city of Puno to the detour that leads to the complex (20 min by car) Mon-Sun, 8:30-17:30. Entrance fee charged.

The Cutimbo Archaeological Complex preserves chullpas (circular or quadrangular stone towers erected to house the funerary remains of the main authorities) that date back to the years 1100-1532 and make up this ancient cemetery that belonged to the Lupaca and Colla lordships. There are also cave paintings whose age has been estimated at about eight thousand years.

Distrito de Chucuito

11 miles (18 km) south of Puno (20 min by car)

During the Colony, Chuicuito district was known as the City of the Royal Till, as it was a tax collection center. The temples of Santo Domingo and Nuestra Señora de la Asunción date from that time. Its pre-Hispanic origins are manifested in the Inca Uyo archaeological site. Those interested can visit the local fish farm to learn about the trout development process.

Distrito de Platería

17 miles (28 km) south of the city of Puno (25 min by car)

Platería district is known for its beaches, located in the Charcas area, and is named after the art of silversmithing. The Titilaca sector stands out for its ecological diversity, which can be appreciated in all its splendor from a small natural viewpoint.

Sitio arqueológico de Molloco

19 miles (30 km) south of the city of Puno to the district of Acora (30 min by car), then 2.5 miles (4 km) to the archaeological site (15 min by car) Mon-Sun, 8:00-16:30. Entrance fee charged.

The Molloco Archaeological Site showcases around ten chullpas that had funerary purposes in Lupaca-Inca territory. Twenty underground tombs were found on the site.

Chucuito Peninsula

Karina

39 miles (62 km) southeast of the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca (1 h 20 min by car)

This area stands out for its beautiful landscapes made up of white sand beaches and farmland. Its inhabitants open the doors of their homes so that visitors can enjoy experience-based tourism.

Luquina Chico

67 km southeast of the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca (1 h 30 min by car)

Navigating the Titicaca on a sailboat and practicing artisanal fishing are some of the activities offered by the members of Luquina Chico community, who preserve their traditional customs. From its natural viewpoints, enjoy the wonderful sights of the surrounding areas.

El Collao Province

Distrito de Ilave

54 km south of the city of Puno (1 h by car)

From the Bebedero del Inca (“Inca’s drinking spot”), a rock outcrop extends to the Willka Uta in its south end. The Willka Uta is a huge carved stone in the shape of a door, visited by people from around the world to practice mystical and esoteric rituals.

Yunguyo Province

Archipiélago de Wiñaymarca

80 miles (128 km) south of the city of Puno to the town of Yunguyo (2 h 30 min by car), continue to the port of Punta Hermosa (30 min by car) and 11 miles (18 km) to Anapia Island (1 h 30 min by motorboat)

Wiñaymarca archipelago is formed by a group of islands in Lake Wiñaymarca, inhabited by several traditional communities, which base their economy on the products they extract from the fauna and flora of the area. Among their customs, celebrations such as Casarasiri (a three-day long marriage ceremony) stand out. The largest island is Yuspique, where members of the Anapia community raise vicuñas. To appreciate the beauty of its landscapes, it is suggested to go for a hike or a boat ride. Yuspique offers a great regional cuisine.

Lampa Province

Distrito de Lampa

49 miles (79 km) north of the city of Puno (1 h 30 min by car)

Lampa district is known as the Pink City. It houses the temple of Santiago Apóstol, famous for keeping a replica of Michelangelo’s La Pietà. In its streets, the mansions adorned with carved ashlar and stones from the island of Amantaní stand out. Forests of queñua and Puya raimondii rise in its vicinity, as well as a chinchilla farm.

Distrito de Pucará

65 miles (104 km) north of Puno (1 h 50 min by car)

Home to skilled potters who shape the well-known Toritos de Pucará. You can visit the Museo Lítico de Pukara, a lithic museum which displays monoliths, stelae, stone sculptures, and pottery pieces.

0.6 miles (1 km) from the district of Pucará (5 min by car) is the Pukara archaeological complex, a ceremonial center built in 1800 BC by the Pukara culture, which existed until 380 AD. It is made up of the ceremonial sector, with nine pyramids, and the urban sector.

artisan © Martín Pauca / PROMPERÚ

San Antonio de Putina Province

Distrito de Putina

77 miles (124 km) north of the city of Puno (2 h 15 min by car)

The main attractions of Putina district are the Sirpiqaqa park, a Quechua word that means “stone snake” in reference to the shapes created by the erosion of the rocks, and the thermal springs, to whose waters the inhabitants attribute healing properties. The right place to see vicuñas and alpacas is Cala Cala, on the outskirts of the district. A forest of Puya raimondii grows 3 miles (5 km) away from Putina.

Azángaro Province

Templo de Tintiri

85 miles (137 km) north of the city of Puno (2 h by car) / 7 miles (12 km) northeast of Azángaro (20 min by car)

The Tintiri Temple is a Baroque building constructed in the seventeenth century on the Huaca Choquechambi, considered a replica of the Paris Cathedral. Its walls are made of adobe, obtained from the mixture of clay, wool, straw, and human hair.

Melgar Province

Distrito de Ayaviri

85 miles (137 km) north of the city of Puno (2 h 30 min by car)

In Ayaviri, visiting the San Francisco de Asís temple, in Mestizo-Baroque style, and the Pojpoquella thermal baths, for their therapeutic properties, are must-do activities. From here you can take an excursion to Tinajani Canyon, a set of anthropomorphic stones that is 9 miles (14 km) away (30 min by car).

Moho Province

Isla Suasi

98 miles (157 km) northeast of the city of Puno (3 h by car and 30 min by boat) A private conservation area that protects the ecosystem of its 43 hectares. Aromatic herbs, grasses and pastures grow in its soil, which vicuñas and vizcachas feed on. The land is also used to grow potatoes, oca, quinoa, and tarwi. It is an exceptional place to watch birds such as choccas, cormorants, ducks, grebes, hummingbirds, caracaras, and ibises.

Carabaya Province

Carabaya

159 miles (256 km) north of the city of Puno (4 h by car)

Its guardian Apu (protective spirit that inhabits the hills and snow-capped mountains) is the Allin Capac mountain, where the Allinqhapaq Raymi takes place, a celebration during which the dancers dance to the beat of ancestral instruments. 16 miles (25 km) away is Corani, with its landscapes of rock formations and cave paintings. Highlights include the Jaylluwa stone forest and the lost city of Pacunasa, known as the Gothic City.

Sandia Province

Parque Nacional Bahuaja Sonene

217 miles (350 km) northeast of the city of Puno (10 h by car). Access is from the city of Juliaca to San Pedro de Putina Punco. Entrance fee charged. The Bahuaja Sonene National Park encompasses territory of the regions of Puno and Madre de Dios, the park protects a wide variety of fauna and flora, among which some 1,200 species of butterflies stand out. It is inhabited by the Ese’eja and Kotsimba indigenous communities.

Dancers on Taquile Island © Alex Bryce / PROMPERÚ

Puno City Center

Urban

Casa

Museo

Balcón del Conde de Lemos

Templo San Antonio de Padua

Museo de la Coca y Costumbres

Cerro Huajsapata

Mirador Kuntur Wasi

Santuario Virgen de la Candelaria

Teatro Municipal

Arco Deustua

Templo La Merced

Museo Naval

Police Town

Jr . Vizcaínos

Jr.J.Santos

Pje. Andaluces

Jr José Olaya

0 492/150 984/300

Altitude: 12,556 ft / 3,827 m

Jr . Calvario

feet/meters

Av. San Francisco

Av. Circunvalación Norte

to Cusco to Arequipa to Puerto Maldonado to Juliaca to Parque Mirador Puma Uta

Jr R. Alvarado

Av . La T Torre

Jr Agustín Gamarra

Jr. Carlos Rubina Burgos

Jr Mariano H.Cornejo

Jr. Piura

Jr N.Bedoya

Jr.Zarumilla

Pje.Huamanga

Jr.Lambayeque

Jr.ManuelPino

Jr Los Andes

Jr.Tiahuanaco

Jr.Libertad

Jr . Mallcomayo

Jr. Nepomuceno Arce

Parque Carácter

Jr . 9 de Octubre

Jr Iquitos

Jr Pardo

Jr. Deza

Jr Independencia

Jr.Hipólito Unanue

Jr . Huaraz

Jr.Trujillo

Jr . Maypú

Jr. Las Palmeras

Pje. Las Palmeras

Jr.Ollanta

Av Alto de laAlianza

Jr . Bellavista

Jr. 28 de Julio

Av.Floral

Jr.Umachiri

Jr.Huancayo

Jr.Roma

Jr.AngélicaGarnica

Paradero a Capachica

Mercado Bellavista

Jr Talara

Jr Azoguine

Jr. SantiagoGiraldo

Jr Manco Cápac

Jr.Bolognesi

Jr.Huajsapata

Jr Atuncolla

Pje.Condori

Jr.Sayhuani

Jr Zela

Jr.Deustua

Jr . JoséFranco

Pje.LosCóndores

Pje. El Porvenir

Jr . Juan P ablo II

Jr Loreto Jr Junín

Jr. Tarapacá

Jr. llave

Pje.2deFebrero

Parque San Román

Jr . Cusco

Av.CircunvalaciónSur

Jr Nueva Unión

Jr Vilque

Jr.Ayaviri

Jr Ilave

Jr. Sucre

Jr. Oquendo

Parque Pino

Jr . Lima

Jr. Teodoro Valcárcel

Jr. Lampa Jr Ilo

Perú Rail Plaza Vea

Mercado Central

Jr. Fermín Arbulú

Pje.Atta

Jr. Libertad

Pje.Grau

Jr.Puno

Av. El Sol Jr 29 de Junio

Jr.Ramis

Jr VirgendelaCandelaria

Jr Andahuaylas

Jr Pucará

Av.LosIncas

Av. Progreso

Jr. Vela Vela

Jr. Ferrocarril Jr. Florida Av. Costanera

Lago Titicaca

Puerto lacustre Av . Longitudinal Jr Lampa Av LaTorre

Jr.Juan

Jr.AlfonsoUgarte

Jr MarianoMelgar

Pje.Choquehuanca

Jr.Moquegua

Jr . Tacna

Jr.Pineda Arce

J. Calle

Av . Cahuide

Parque de la Cultura

Parque Mariátegui Plaza de Armas

Jr.Cajamarca

Jr.Carabaya

Pje.EmilioRomero

Jr.VíctorEchave

Estadio Monumental Enrique Torres Belón

Av.Titicaca

Av.ElPuerto

Av.Simón Bolívar

Jr.1de Mayo

Parque Ramón Castilla

Av El Sol

Jr.Rosendo Huirse

Mercado Unión y Dignidad

Jr.Huáscar

Jr 1de Mayo Jr . Juli Pje. Las Flores

Malecón ecoturístico

Mercado Artesanal

Av.Costanera Jr Lambayeque Jr . Arequipa Jr Conde de Lemos Jr.Deustua Jr Huancané Jr . CoronelBarriga Jr.FedericoMoreJr . Tacna Jr.JoséGálvez

Jr . Áncash

Jr.LasMercedes

Jr Ayacucho

Jr . José Salcedo

Jr Lima

Jr . Arequipa

Jr.CoronelPonce

Jr . JoséMoral

Jr.Orkapata

Jr.Chucuito

Jr.RicardoPalma

Jr . Ica

Jr. Mariscal Castilla Jr Echenique

Jr Pachacútec

Jr.TúpacAmaru

JrAtahualpa

Jr.JoséAntonioEncinas

Av.El Sol

Jr.Trilce

Av. Simón Bolívar

Jr.Victoria

Jr . LuisRivarola

Miranda

Jr.Ácora

Av . CircunvalaciónSur

Parque Dante Nava

. Jr.PedroMiguelUrbina

Jr.Las Kantutas

Mercado Laykakota

Jr La Oro ya

IncaGarcilazodelaVega

Paradero

Jr.LuisBancheroRossi

Bahía de los Incas Terminal Terrestre Interregional to Yunguyo, Desaguadero to the border with Bolivia

Psj.Flores

Jr. La Oroya

Jr.CapitánMorante

Interdistrital

Sur

Jr.LasBegonias

PUNO Puno

Plaza de Armas (051)365-088

At the corner of Jr. Deustua and Jr. Lima iperupuno@promperu.gob.pe

iperu@promperu.gob.pe

The information contained in this brochure has been updated in September 2023. To prepare it, PROMPERÚ has used official information sources, as well as the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (DIRCETUR) of Puno. The opening hours and telephone numbers are subject to vary at each tourist attraction. Confirm the hours and telephone numbers with IPERÚ.

Published by PROMPERÚ - Peru for Exports and Tourism Promotion Agency

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